Biden says he would not give pardon to son Hunter
President Biden said Thursday he would not pardon his son, Hunter Biden, and would accept the outcome of his son's federal gun trial, which is taking place in Delaware.
ABC News anchor David Muir asked Biden in an interview in Normandy if he would accept the outcome of Hunter Biden's trial. Biden responded "yes."
Biden also told Muir "yes" when asked if he would rule out a pardon for Hunter. The White House has previously said multiple times Biden would not pardon his son if he were convicted of a crime.
Hunter Biden's trial began this week in Wilmington, Del., where he is facing felony charges that he lied on federal forms about his drug use to unlawfully purchase a gun in 2018.
If convicted on all three counts, Hunter Biden faces a maximum of 25 years in prison and $750,000 in fines. The trial is expected to last about two weeks.
First lady Jill Biden attended the first few days of the trial.
The president issued a statement Monday in which he voiced support for his son, but said he would not comment on his trial.
“Hunter’s resilience in the face of adversity and the strength he has brought to his recovery are inspiring to us,” Biden said. “A lot of families have loved ones who have overcome addiction and know what we mean. As the President, I don’t and won’t comment on pending federal cases, but as a Dad, I have boundless love for my son, confidence in him, and respect for his strength."
Hunter Biden's trial is taking place just days after former President Trump was found guilty in New York on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in connection with a hush money payment during the 2016 campaign.
Trump has repeatedly claimed the trial was "rigged" and that the Biden White House had a hand in his prosecution, though there is no evidence the president or his administration had any role in the New York case.
"He's trying to undermine it," Biden told ABC News on Thursday. "He got a fair trial. The jury spoke."